Elixirs are generally less viscous and contain alcohol, while syrups are more viscous and sugar-rich.

• A. Elixirs are generally less viscous and contain alcohol, while syrups are more viscous and sugar-rich
• B. Elixirs are always non-alcoholic
• C. Syrups are less viscous than elixirs
• D. Both have identical viscosity

Answer: (A)

Elixirs and syrups differ mainly in solvent composition and resulting viscosity. Elixirs are hydroalcoholic solutions, where alcohol acts as a solvent and helps dissolve certain drugs; this solvent system tends to produce a liquid that is less viscous than a syrup. Syrups, by contrast, are concentrated sugar solutions; the high sugar content makes them thick and very viscous. Therefore, the statement that elixirs are generally less viscous and contain alcohol, while syrups are more viscous and sugar-rich, captures the key differences. The other ideas—elixirs being always non-alcoholic, syrups being less viscous, or both having identical viscosity—do not fit the typical properties.